More Hongkongers want to move overseas or to mainland China, survey finds

According to a recent poll conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, a greater number of Hong Kong residents are considering emigration to foreign countries or relocation to mainland China compared to the previous year. The poll revealed that 38% of the respondents would seize the opportunity to leave Hong Kong, a significant increase from the 29% who expressed similar sentiments in the previous year's survey.

The reasons cited by the respondents for their desire to emigrate varied. A significant number of them expressed concerns over the erosion of liberty, human rights, and freedom of expression. Others were disillusioned by the excessive political disputes and the undemocratic political system. Additionally, the poor living conditions and congested living spaces in Hong Kong were also factors that contributed to their decision. However, it's worth noting that the current figure is still lower than the 42% and 44% recorded in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

The poll also sought to identify the preferred destinations for these potential emigrants. The United Kingdom emerged as the most popular choice, followed by Canada, Australia, and Taiwan. Interestingly, about 20% of the respondents indicated that they would consider moving to mainland China if circumstances permitted, a significant increase from the previous year. The primary reasons for this preference were the high cost of living in Hong Kong and the cramped living conditions.